San Diego, CA.- A new poll of likely voters in the 50th Congressional district shows Rep. Duncan Hunter maintaining his lead in the largely rural, Republican district.

77% of likely Republican voters in California's 50th US Congressional District stand by indicted and disgraced Congressman Duncan Hunter, according to SurveyUSA research conducted for KGTV-TV in San Diego and the Union-Tribune.

Among those likely to vote in the 11/06/18 mid-term Congressional election:

-Hunter leads Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar by 7 points among those who are aware of the criminal investigation.

-Hunter leads by Campa-Najjar by 7 points among those who say they are unaware of the criminal investigation.

Should any other Republican run in Hunter's place, that as-yet unnamed Republican defeats Campa-Najjar by 15 points, 51% to 36%.

"Yawned Over Indictment"

The poll, conducted for 10 News and the San Diego Union-Tribune, shows Hunter with 47 percent to Democratic challenger Ammar Campa-Najjar‘s 39 percent.

Voters were called Aug. 22-26, the time during which news broke about the indictment of Hunter and his wife Margaret for alleged personal use of campaign funds.

“In some respects, voters in Hunter’s district greet news of the indictment with a yawn,” noted SurveyUSA, which conducted the poll.

Independents Split

62% of district Democrats say Hunter should resign his Congressional seat now.

64% of Republicans say Hunter should remain in office and seek re-election.

Independents split: 37% say Hunter should resign; 37% say Hunter should press ahead.

69% of conservatives say charges that Hunter and his wife Margaret mis-appropriated $250,000 in campaign funds and then filed false finance records with the government are politically motivated.